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Nigeria: The Next Boxing Mecca?

Published: Friday, 23 June 2017 15:18

In the Business of sport and Nigeria right now the Boxer larry Ekundayo really is the one to watch. Just a few weeks ago The Nigerian House of Representatives passed a motion to “Congratulate Larry Ekundayo on his heroics in the field of boxing” and for the Government to help bring back the glory days of Nigerian boxing.

The bill also aims to re-popularise boxing, a sport that Nigerians can excel at through “hosting continental and international boxing tournaments”.

Undefeated welterweight sensation, Larry Ekundayo, managed by the highly regarded MTK organisation, is one of the country’s leading boxing talents. He is former Sky TV Prize fighter Winner, ABU African Champion and has been dubbed the Nigerian Floyd Mayweather. He is due to represent Nigeria, later in 2017, in his bid to win the Commonwealth title and deliver sporting glory for the country.

The motion was proposed by Chair of the House of Representative Committee on the Diaspora, Hon. (Barr) Rita Orji, who has taken a personal interest, and leadership role, in helping Nigerian fighters within and particularly outside Nigeria deliver on their talents for the country.

The motion stated that the “House called on Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport to work with the Nigerian Boxing Federation to revive the sport of boxing”. The motion also required Government and corporate bodies to invest in the development of sports, through the provision of infrastructure and sponsorship deals.

The motion further mandated the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport to interface with other stakeholders, to work out the modalities of sponsorship of Nigerian boxers, so that they are able to win world title honours wearing the green and white of Nigeria, rather than having to move to other countries to get the necessary support. The House rightly commended Arik Air for its leading role in its sponsorship of Larry Ekundayo.

Leading London based commercial agents, World Class Athletes, who have a successful track record of delivering sponsorship deals for Nigerians, would continue to help provide the commercial bedrock for the country’s elite fighters to deliver on their natural talent, so that they can go on to secure titles and glory for the country.

Hon. (Barr) Rita Orji said. “Britain has produced 8 World heavyweight Champions, 3 of whom have been of Nigerian origin. There is no reason our wonderfully talent fighters should be fighting for other countries”.

She went on to add; “When we arrange sponsorship we can start staging major shows here, build infrastructure and create jobs” Finally, she stated “Let us all back Larry Ekundayo, so he can go all the way to win a world title for Nigeria, his success is our success.”

Right now we at Nigerias Business Directory believe the wise return from sports sponsorship and other business areas is currently in the boxing arena. Look at the millions already realised and indeed floating around British Nigerian Boxer Anthony Joshua. Further information can be attained about potential opportunities at info@nigeriasbusinessdirectory.com or marketing@nigeriasbusinessdirectory.com